XLR Safety Recall

clarkchriston · 04-15-2015, 04:17 PM

Just got a safety recall NHTSA #15V126.
Basically states the GVWR on the Federal Compliance and Tire information Lable states (21,00lbs), but the hitch head assembly has a label rating the GVWR of (18,000lbs).

Basically they just sent out a new sticker to replace the old one but for those of you pushing the cargo capacity to the max you may be in danger of hitting your GCWR sooner than you would think. Dry weight on mine is 15,111 so that only leaves me with 2830lbs. Now even with two bikes loaded and all our gear I am not close to the original (21,000lb) rating but I sure don't like being that close to the capacity of hitch head.

OldCoot · 04-15-2015, 04:39 PM

No doubt there is a pretty good safety factor built into the hitch head. I wouldn't be that concerned.

clarkchriston · 04-15-2015, 05:34 PM

I figured as much but still not very happy that I just lost 3,00lbs worth of cargo ratings. Luckily I don't dry camp, at least not with our Harleys loaded otherwise I would be pretty close with just full water, fuel, and bikes without even counting anything else. It still shows 21k GCWR on their website.

taken · 04-15-2015, 07:43 PM

I got the recall too but my pinbox is upgraded already. I would certainly upgrade my pinbox to a 21k rather than sticking the new sticker on. At the same time you can get a nice air ride box like the 5th Airborne or the Trail Air. I have a 21k 5th Airborne on my 395AMP so I disregarded the notice and new sticker. I also have a brand new take off 21k Trail Air in the classifieds if you're interested. That would solve your recall load problem and get you a much better box in the process.

chpence1 · 04-16-2015, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taken

I got the recall too but my pinbox is upgraded already. I would certainly upgrade my pinbox to a 21k rather than sticking the new sticker on. At the same time you can get a nice air ride box like the 5th Airborne or the Trail Air. I have a 21k 5th Airborne on my 395AMP so I disregarded the notice and new sticker. I also have a brand new take off 21k Trail Air in the classifieds if you're interested. That would solve your recall load problem and get you a much better box in the process.

What does the Trail Air weigh?

taken · 04-16-2015, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chpence1

What does the Trail Air weigh?

Unfortunately for me, too much to ship. According to etrailer, it's 185#. Having just moved it from my garage to my shed by myself, I would tend to agree... I've been trying to sell it locally as truck freight is just too much $...

clarkchriston · 04-16-2015, 12:12 PM

Rodney,

Did you know the pinbox was only rated at 18k and then decide to upgrade at time of purchase. Or was your upgrade decision based on the fact you really like the 5th Airborne. I'm just wondering if this is something I should have known on my own, but based on the current sticker and their own website they state a 21k GVCR.
I'm going to try to get in contact with my dealer and possibly Forest River to find out what my options are. Just replacing a sticker and losing 3k worth of cargo doesn't sit well with me. I know mistakes are made but seems like they should offer a replacement pin box to allow the 5r to be used at the capacity I paid for.

taken · 04-16-2015, 01:06 PM

The recall began right before I was about to take delivery. Because my trailer hadn't shipped to my dealer yet when the recall began, the factory swapped in a 21k pinbox before shipping it. So, the recall really didn't apply to me but because of my build date, I was still included in the mailing. Only Bob can say for sure, but I'm guessing any XLR Thunderbolt AMP unit built after the recall began will either have a 21k pinbox from the factory or will be de-rated on the sticker from the factory. If it were me in charge, and it certainly isn't, I would up the price of the units by the 500 or so (OEM cost) to put a 5th Airborne or Trail Air on from the get go. Consumers would certainly pay it to get the 21k rating and an air ride hitch is always a good selling point. Win - Win... Brands like Voltage come with them from the factory and like any other factory installed upgrade, I'm sure it helps sales.

Taranwanderer · 04-16-2015, 08:39 PM

Do we know what specific XLR models are involved in this recall? Is it just one or all XLRs? My GVWR is 13500, so does this not apply to my unit? Thanks!

taken · 04-16-2015, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

Do we know what specific XLR models are involved in this recall? Is it just one or all XLRs? My GVWR is 13500, so does this not apply to my unit? Thanks!

It's only the Thunderbolt Amp 5th wheel models that were sold with a 21k GVWR and relates to the pinbox. Since you have a TT toyhauler, you're not included. The Thunderbolt non "AMP" 5vers are also not included as they were only sold at 18k GVWR.

Taranwanderer · 04-16-2015, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taken

I'm fairly sure it's only the Thunderbolt Amp 5th wheel models that were sold with a 21k GVWR and relates to the pinbox. Since you have a TT toyhauler, you're not included.

I hope you're correct about the recall, but my unit is a 5-er. That's what the "5" means in "30HFS5."

taken · 04-16-2015, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

I hope you're correct about the recall, but my unit is a 5-er. That's what the "5" means in "30HFS5."

Ah, when I looked up the Hyperlite models and didn't see any 5vers, I assumed incorrectly that they all were TTs. I guess they killed all the hyperlite 5vers? But yes, the recall is only about 21k units with 18k pinboxes.

Taranwanderer · 04-16-2015, 09:04 PM

Yes, apparently the Hyperlite 5-ers were not a big seller, probably because they're not kid-friendly, so they dropped it entirely. But it's a perfect unit for a couple with no kids (

) to have your toy(s) and full functionality. Just not a lot of demand for that kind of unit, though. So yes, it's not even on FR's site anymore. I feel a little abandoned, like the red headed stepchild.

taken · 04-16-2015, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

I feel a little abandoned, like the red headed stepchild.

Wait... I got red hair?! WTF....

Taranwanderer · 04-16-2015, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taken

Wait... I got red hair?! WTF....

Do your parents have it too? Then you're probably OK...

taken · 04-16-2015, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taranwanderer

Do your parents have it too? Then you're probably OK...

I was found under a bridge so I don't know for sure...

northstar1960 · 04-16-2015, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarkchriston

Just got a safety recall NHTSA #15V126.
Basically states the GVWR on the Federal Compliance and Tire information Lable states (21,00lbs), but the hitch head assembly has a label rating the GVWR of (18,000lbs).

Basically they just sent out a new sticker to replace the old one but for those of you pushing the cargo capacity to the max you may be in danger of hitting your GCWR sooner than you would think. Dry weight on mine is 15,111 so that only leaves me with 2830lbs. Now even with two bikes loaded and all our gear I am not close to the original (21,000lb) rating but I sure don't like being that close to the capacity of hitch head.

don't you find it funny that a company like forest river can't get the most basic things right .

. they can't even get the printing on the brochures correct half the time.